HomeThe final day of the APT Asian Poker Series Cebu 2015 Main Event dragged on to Wednesday night owing to a classic heads-up battle between John Tech of the Philippines and Alexey Gatsko of Russia.
Unfortunately for one, a champion had to be named and it was the Filipino who bagged the first major APT title of the year in the festivities held at the All In Poker Sports Club in the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City, Philippines.
Filipino John Tech is APT Asian Poker Series Cebu 2015 Champion!
“I made the final table of the APT event last year. So I really wanted to lock up this one when I became the chip leader in this final table,” shared Tech, who finished second runner-up in the last APT-RWM Poker Finale 2014 Main Event just last December.
For his efforts and for becoming an APT champion, Tech went home with PHP 2,307,200. Gatsko’s good effort was rewarded as well with PHP 1,330,000.
“In the final table, he played tight. But then we got short-handed, he shifted his gears,” Tech said about his heads-up opponent showing utmost respect for the Russian. “He’s a very good player.”
With almost equal stacks, Tech and Gatsko indulged in a raise and re-raising affair in what would be the final hand of the night. Both eventually shoved their stacks and the APT title was virtually decided via coin flip.
Tech: A♦ Q♦
Gatsko: 8♣ 8♥
Right on the flop, Tech grabbed the lead when the K♦ J♣ 10♦ arrived much to the delight of his Filipino supporters railing the final table. The turn and river was insignificant and Tech marched straight to the APT title.
“When I four-bet him, I already decided that if he’s going to push, I am going all-in as well,” said Tech.
The Champion Celebrates his first APT Main Event Win!
Tech had a simple message, especially to the Filipino players, who wants to find similar success in poker.
“If you really want to be successful in poker, you must study it first before playing. Also, persevere and have patience!”
Meanwhile, Tech will have a chance to aim for back-to-back Cebu titles with the Asian Poker Tour coming back to the Queen City of the South for the APT event to be held from August 11th to 19th, 2015. For schedule of all APT events this year, please check Events Schedule page.